The Nation of Islam at the End of the Apocalyptic Age?
Has the Nation of Islam, a tradition hinged on separatism, evolved into supporters of the President of the United States? If so, how does that affect the Nation’s ground-up community networks and sociopolitical analysis of American society?
America, Religious Values, and the Death Penalty; Or, If it Was Good Enough for Jesus and Socrates...
The United States is still using the logic of vengeance in enforcing the death penalty, and it is the only Western country within its primary coalitions to do so. When did it start? How can it end? What is wrong with us?
Court Rules: Feminism is Not a Religion
When an Ivy League women’s studies department is sued for promoting the idea that women are divine princesses and men are minions of Satan, we are reminded that the act of defining religion is important work.
Grassroots Faith: The Lessons of The Social Gospel
Religious progressives might be arguing now over whose voices are heard in Washington, but it takes more than an ability to gain an audience with national political elites to spawn a movement; it requires the concerted effort to build a following.
Outrage Outs Closeted Pols Opposed to Gay Rights
Documentarian Kirby Dick maintains that his new film isn’t merely righteous mimicry of tabloid journalism.
Mumbai, Five Months After: Searching for a Coherent Stance on Religious Violence
From Left to Right, observers were quick to equate the Mumbai attacks to 9/11. But in doing so, the Left has tied itself in conceptual knots, for only consistency in the condemnation of religious violence can make for a sustainable response to the Right’s demonization of Islam.
Is Christianity Simply About God Entering the Uterus of a Jewish Virgin?
In a recent promotional letter, Richard Dawkins caricatured the average American’s Christian beliefs. Problem is, caricatures cease to be useful when the critic invites his audience to deride the real thing based on a lampoon.
How Much is a (Progressive) Pastor Worth?
When New York City’s fabled Riverside Church brought in a new, evangelical pastor with a pay package of $600K it made roaring headlines and sparked a lawsuit. Our writer attended the Sunday service and reports back on the "controversy."
Post-Modern Progressives, or Liberalism Ain’t What It Used To Be
With whom does one make alliances for the sake of peace in the world? Post-modern progressive theology does not compromise, but neither does it insist on a single truth. In its journey toward justice, it keeps its eye on the practical.
In a recent speech on the the economy, Obama could have stressed biblical justice; instead he opted for a “post-partisan” emphasis on firm foundations and solidarity in common cause.
Know-Nothing Christians Irate Over Obama Comments
During a profoundly symbolic trip to Turkey the president assured the Muslim nation that America is not a Christian nation, sparking right wing cries that he’s “thrown Christianity under the bus.” The real problem here is the absence of religious literacy among the critics currently speaking in alleged defense of the Christian faith.
Response: Is the Centrist Orthodoxy True?
Mark Silk's recent analysis of the rift between the "prophets" and the "priests" of the left hinges on the assumption that reaching out to centrist evangelicals will help Democrats. But will it?
The Tweets of the Christ
On Good Friday, New York’s Trinity Church reenacted the Passion Play via Twitter, the latest social-networking sensation. Nathan Schneider reports on multitasking his way through the service.
Christianity-Lite, in 140 Characters or Fewer?
From pew to pixel; does the virtual fulfillment of religious sentiments disorient or does it lead to more “real” forms of participation?
Arguing Liberally: Rift in Religious Coalitions Goes Public
A public row threatens to break out between the DC-based “Religious Industrial Complex,” which seeks new Democratic voters, and a small group of rabble-rousers who claim that they’ve compromised their progressive souls in reaching out to religious conservatives. How did it come to this?
Divine Inspiration: Kings Works Wonders
Drawn from the Bible, Kings takes a risk that pays off. Plus, we get Ian McShane.
The New Christianity: What the Mainstream Media Has Missed
To cover a new religious movement, you have to know that the movement exists. An interview with Bruce Wilson.
Pro-Life Tempest Over Obama’s Notre Dame Speech
Obama’s scheduled Notre Dame commencement has a small, largely powerless, group of Orthodox Catholics singing for publicity to an obliging media. Why did Notre Dame take the bait?
As Funny as the Times Will Allow: Obama on Late Night TV
The President tried to be funny on Jay Leno, and the joke fell flat. But it might be that this says more about us, his audience, than anything else.
Op-Ed: The Real Muslims?
We all know by now that there are some who would like to claim the term “Christian” for their own particular brand of belief. Is there an analogy to this in the contemporary North American Muslim community?
No Conspiracy Theories Needed: Abortion Foes Cry Racism
In order to attract a different demographic of supporters, the anti-abortion movement has adopted the theory that reproductive freedom is actually a plot to rid America of its black and brown citizens.
RDPulpit: I Am Not A Number: Gays and Lesbians and Opinion Polls
A new poll shows that a majority of Americans support legal recognition for gay unions. Our columnist wishes they would stop taking surveys and start taking action.
By the Way: Naming The Religious Right
Leaders of the religious right have recently begun to complain about the various names by which their movement is known. But if the shoe fits...
Bearing Witness: The Work of Hospital Chaplains
Hospital chaplains provide spiritual care to the sick and dying, and they tend to both patients and their families. While their voices are not often heard in the larger conversation about religion and medicine, this is slowly changing.
While it’s great that Obama’s faith-based program addresses nonbelief, without the proper vigilance we’ll simply get superficial “tolerance” of secularists with an assumed theistic backstory.